February 16, 2005

 

What: Westchester declares March 2005 Irish HIstory and Heritage month; the Board of Legislators will honor two groups, the Fighting 69th and the Friendly Gathering. Jack Harrington, President of the White Plains Historical Society will give a brief overview of Irish immigration and contributions to Westchester

When: March 7, 2005 starting at 6:30 PM

Who: The Fighting 69th; the Friendly Gathering of Westchester; The Emerald Society pipers

Where: The Board of Legislators Chambers, 148 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY 8th Floor

Why: The Fighting 69th has served with distinction in every major war since and continues its tradition of service today as the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry (Mechanized), NY Army National Guard. When the Great Hunger brought the Irish to the United States in great numbers they arrived during an era of anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic, anti-Irish, anti-Papist discrimination and a general pro-British stance as exemplified by the populist Know-Nothing Party. With the outbreak of hostilities following Fort Sumter the Irish joined the Armies of both sides in large numbers and served with great distinction, heroism and honor; the 69th NY suffered the sixth highest casualties of the more than 2000 Regiments serving the North. The Friendly Gathering is Westchester’s own troupe of Irish music perforners. Since 1988, the Friendly Gathering has raised over $110,000 to supporty local community programs.